In this special October episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel return with Part II of their spooky stories compilation. Following the eerie encounters shared in Part I, this episode brings even more spine-tingling yet light-hearted ghost stories from old house owners across the U.S. and Canada.

In Part II, Caitlin Barrett recounts the strange disturbances in her 1890 home in Kerhonksin, New York, blending humor with suspense. Next, Laurel, an architectural historian from Hawaii, shares her family's multi-generational experiences with a haunted house in Maine. Then, Liberty discusses her 176-year-old home in Northeast Ohio, where a resident ghost seems lukewarm about the family's renovations but fond of her kids. Finally, Tara tells the tale of her friendly ghost with whom she's lived harmoniously for over 23 years—often using the ghost's presence to her advantage with guests and contractors.

For fans of haunted house stories with a playful twist, Part II offers more spooky delights.

"Caitlin Barrett's Paranormal Profession" Professional namer Caitlin Barrett shares some spooky encounters in her 1890 house in Kerhounksin, New York. From odd noises to thunderous booms, Caitlin's tale takes a surprising turn when a salt ritual seems to resolve the paranormal disturbances.

"Laurel's Haunted Family Home in Maine" Laurel, an architectural historian from Hawaii, dives into the eerie stories passed down through her family about their haunted home in Maine. Since the 1970s, strange noises and moving objects have become a part of the house's legacy.

"Liberty's Playful Ghost" Liberty's family recently moved into a 176-year-old house in Northeast Ohio, and not all of the residents are happy about it! Liberty discusses their ghostly housemate, who is less than thrilled with the renovations but seems to have taken a special liking to the kids.

"Tara's Friendly Haunt" For over two decades, Tara has lived with a ghost in her home—one confirmed by a psychic. Rather than fearing her spectral companion, Tara has found a way to embrace its presence and even use it to her advantage when guests or contractors wear out their welcome.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Merch Run! To pre-order True Tales From Merch, visit TrueTalesFromOldHouses.com/Merch.
• Big Names in Naming (podcast)
• Follow Caitlin on Instagram
• Follow Morrison Gates Design (Libery) on Instagram
• Morrison Gates Design (website)
• The Ghostbusters Ruling -  - The "Ghostbusters ruling" refers to a 1991 New York court case where a buyer successfully sued because the house was considered haunted and the seller didn't disclose. The court ruled that since the seller publicly claimed the house was haunted, they were legally required to inform the buyer.

It's spooky season! In this special October episode of True Tales From Old Houses, hosts Stacy Grinsfelder and Daniel Kanter take a break from their usual discussions of old house restoration and DIY to share spine-tingling, light-hearted ghost stories! Every year, listeners send in their eerie experiences, and this episode is packed with haunted tales from homes across the U.S.

From Rebekah's unsettling bungalow in Tampa to Jake's unexpected encounters in a small Appalachian house during the pandemic, these real-life ghost stories will give you chills. Laura takes us back to her haunted childhood in rural Montana, while Sara shares her experiences growing up in a spooky shotgun house in Thomasville, Georgia. Finally, Mary recounts how she discovered she wasn't living alone after moving into her Syracuse, NY apartment 18 years ago—and how she's been cohabitating with a ghostly roommate ever since.

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, an old house lover, or just here for the ghost stories, this episode has something for you. 

"Ghosts of the Bungalow" In this eerie tale, Rebekah shares how she and her husband sensed something strange about the bungalow they were about to purchase in Tampa. Despite the peculiar vibes, they bought it anyway—and soon discovered they weren't the only ones living there.

"Appalachian Hauntings" What would you do if things started going bump in the night during lockdown? Jake recounts how his small Appalachian home became the setting for strange, inexplicable events during the pandemic, leaving him wondering who—or what—was sharing his space.

"Shadows in Montana" Growing up in rural Montana, Laura experienced more than her share of ghostly encounters. From unsettling shadows to eerie presences, she describes how her family home was filled with spooky activity that profoundly shaped her childhood.

"Spirits in the Shotgun House" Sara's story takes us to Thomasville, Georgia, where she grew up in a haunted shotgun house. With a mix of chills and intrigue, Sara shares her ghostly experiences, detailing how living in a haunted house became part of her daily life.

"Roommates for Life" Mary's apartment in Syracuse, NY, came with an unexpected twist—a ghostly roommate. For the past 18 years, she has cohabitated with a spirit, and she recounts the strange but surprisingly harmonious relationship they've formed.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Merch Run! To pre-order True Tales From Merch, visit TrueTalesFromOldHouses.com/Merch.
• Learn More about Rebecca Lazaridis' home illustration commissions. 
• Follow Rebecca on Instagram

In today's minisode, the final episode of Season 11, Stacy and Daniel wrap things up with a lively discussion about their renovation adventures, funny experiences, and plans for the upcoming ghost story episodes, arriving in October! 

First, Stacy and Daniel kick off the episode by announcing that this is the last episode of the season, but there will be bonus ghost stories and a merch run in October. Listeners can submit their ghost stories via the contact form on the website. 

Next, Daniel shares updates on his current renovation projects, including the painstaking work of stripping paint on his front porch and pouring a concrete slab at the duplex. He recounts his "brush with the law" involving a strict building inspector and the unexpected need for a permit, sparking a discussion on the challenges and frustrations that often accompany restoration work.

Then, They lighten the mood with a funny story involving a pair of neighborhood kids who mistook Daniel for the builder of his old house. This leads to a conversation about the endearing and hilarious things kids say. Daniel also talks about his visit to Prehistoric World, a unique attraction in Perry, NY. It brought some unexpected fun to his week.

Finally, Stacy and Daniel reflect on the juggling act of managing multiple projects and the importance of setting boundaries and priorities. They express their heartfelt gratitude to their listeners for their support throughout the season, ending on a high note with excitement for the ghost story episodes ahead.

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In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel discuss practical solutions for damaged wood floors in a folk Victorian farmhouse and chat with preservation architect Christopher Brandt.

First, Stacy and Daniel offer some personal project updates, including the mad scramble to complete outdoor tasks before the cold weather arrives.

Then, During listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel explore the practicalities and aesthetics of refinishing and living with gappy wood floors. They discuss the historical accuracy of finishes and creative alternatives like passive restoration and painting, all while weighing the balance between preserving historical integrity and ensuring modern livability.

Next, they are joined by Christopher Brandt, a preservation architect at Bero Architecture in Rochester, New York. He discusses his passion for restoring old buildings, including his modest 1920s Tudor Revival. The conversation explores the unique history of his house as a master model home and the quest to balance preservation with personal style. 

He shares his experiences in researching and documenting the history of his house, as well as the challenges and rewards of preserving its original features. Christopher also talks about his role on the Historic Preservation Commission and the effort to establish a National Register Historic District in their town. He highlights the importance of community support and the impact of historic preservation on the overall character and identity of a neighborhood. 

Finally, Christopher discusses his work as an architect at Bero Architecture, specializing in historic preservation projects.

Mentioned in this Episode

• Restoring Your Historic House (affiliate link - book)  by Scott T. Hanson
• The History of Splatter Painted Floors (with photos)
• The History of Fred P. Tosch and the Model Master Homes (Blog article by Christopher Brandt)
• James H. Johnson Mushroom House (article)
• Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse
• Association for Preservation Technology International (APTI)
• Follow Christopher Brandt on Instagram
• Learn more about Bero Architecture 

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.

Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.

In today's minisode, Stacy offers an update on her house search in Utah. She and Daniel discuss their current real estate situations and future plans.

First, They begin by declaring their love for track shelving. They also recommend the podcast 'Beyond Reproach.' 

Then, Stacy reflects on the shock value of Utah's high real estate prices and acknowledges her privileged position. She shares her desire to downsize and the challenges of finding a smaller house within her budget.

Next, Daniel explains his plans to UPsize by expanding his current home with a second floor primary suite.

Finally, they both emphasize the importance of living in a house that suits their needs and not constantly considering future buyers.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy is wrapping things up at Silver Lake and getting ready for a new sleeping porch project. Meanwhile, Daniel is busy turning a dining room closet into a masterpiece—because even closets deserve a little love.

Then, during listener Q&A, Stacy offers a happy follow-up from a previous question about exterior painting before weighing in on a kitchen remodel quandary—When it comes to cabinets and floors, is it better to level everything perfectly or embrace the tilt?

Finally, history buff and DIY enthusiast Tux Loerzel stops by to chat about his big move from Brooklyn to Detroit and the ongoing adventure of restoring his historic duplex. From swoopy arches to textured yellow bricks, Tux’s home is full of surprises—some delightful, some less so. But with a willingness to tackle anything, Tux gives us a peek into the challenges (and joys) of breathing new life into an old home.

Mentioned in this Episode: 

• Throwbacks Home Interiors (book)
• Follow Tux Loerzel on Instagram
• Listen to Beyond Reproach (explicit)

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.

Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.

In this conversation, Stacy and Daniel discuss their ongoing renovation projects.

First, Daniel talks about his plans to use beadboard in the guest room and the challenges of storing salvage materials.

Then, Stacy shares her experience renovating her sleeping porch and the serious structural issues she encountered during deconstruction. 

Finally, they discuss their mutual love for Michigan and the unique houses Daniel visited there recently. The conversation ends with a reflection on milestone "housiversaries" (anniversaries) and the progress of their renovation projects.

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

This week's episode begins with the big announcement that Daniel is no longer the owner of Bluestone Cottage. The sale has been finalized. 

Then, Stacy and Daniel answer a listener question about career paths in historic preservation that don't require a master's degree. With the help of Caitlin Meives, Director of Preservation with the Preservation League of New York State, they discuss the importance of networking and volunteering and the availability of webinars and certificate programs. They also suggest reaching out to local preservation nonprofits and organizations to gain experience and make connections. 

Later Stacy and Daniel chat with Kate Wood, a historic rehabilitation strategist. She discusses her work in helping homeowners preserve and restore their historic properties. Kate explains how she helps clients identify what is worth preserving in their homes and navigate the rehabilitation process. She emphasizes the importance of taking time to understand the unique character and needs of each property and advises against rushing renovations. Kate also shares her experience in historic preservation advocacy and offers advice for those interested in the field.

Mentioned in this Episode: 

• www.NCPE.us - The National Council for Preservation Education website.
• www.PreserveNYS.org - Preservation League of NY State Website
• Follow Kate Wood on Instagram at @worthpreserving
• www.worthpreserving.com

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.

Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.

In this episode, Stacy and Daniel discuss Daniel's recent visit to Lilydale, a spiritualist community in Western New York, and they go over some new project plans.

First, Stacy offers a follow-up on the ivy discussion from episode #140. A landscape architect from Los Angeles reached out to provide another convincing argument in favor of removing ivy from homes and buildings. 

Then, Daniel discusses his recent trip to Lilydale, where he received a free reading by a medium. Some of her thoughts were way off base, but when she predicted he had recently finished a project and would be "surrounded by money," his only thought was yes, please! 

Finally, Stacy outlines the basics of her new plan to stabilize and beautify the sleeping porch off the primary bedroom. It is currently a safety hazard, and she has enlisted a contractor to bid on basic framing and rot repair. 

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

This week's episode begins with a quick cottage update from Daniel, including his plans to sell the leftover staging furniture and decor.

Then, Stacy and Daniel answer a listener question about the best materials for repiping a house. They discuss the pros and cons of PVC, copper, and PEX pipes and provide tips for choosing the right material. 

Later, they chat with Christina Salway, an interior designer and home renovator. She describes how she and her husband have renovated multiple houses, starting with a small cottage in upstate New York, and how each project has been a learning experience.

Finally, Christina shares her experience of buying and renovating a very old house in France. She talks about how she found the property, the challenges of the buying process, and the differences in renovating a house in a foreign country. She also discusses the community's reaction to the project and the joy of taking a more relaxed approach to renovation.

Mentioned in this Episode: 

• Find you're own dreamy property in France: French-Property.com.
• Follow Christina Salway on Instagram.
• 11211 Design
• Follow Villa Lagoon tile on Instagram

WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS

The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.

Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.

Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.

Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.